| Mechanimal — Delta Pi Delta ΔΠΔ (January 4, 2016) |
Mechanimal — Delta Pi Delta ΔΠΔ (January 4, 2016)
Ξ Zatímco obě jejich předchozí alba “Mechanimal” a “Secret Science” byla postavena v chaotickém podtónu Atén, kapela se odstěhovala do přírodního prostředí v horských lesích, aby si vyčistila hlavy a nechala hudbu působit bez překážek a jako zábrana jakékoli negativní energii nebo vlivu. Kapela také prošla změnou v sestavě. Album je věnováno řeckému umělci, malíři a dlouholetému příteli kapely — Nicholasi Liberovi, který bohužel zemřel v roce 2013. Deset nových skladeb, včetně dvou instrumentálek, po re-startu skupiny kvůli nedávnému napětí a přizvání zpěvačky Eleni Tzavara dodává jejich zvuku zcela nový rozměr.
Location: Athens, Greece
Genre: Industrial, Post–punk/Electronics
Album release: January 4, 2016
Formats: LP / CD / DL
Record Label: Inner Ear Records
Duration: 45:44
Tracks:
01. Sunlight 3:42
02. Repetition 4:49
03. Thistlemilk 4:27
04. Sawdust (digital album only) 3:40
05. Radio On 4:34
06. Winter Mute 4:54
07. Sextant 4:21
08. Ferrum (digital album only) 5:21
09. Illuminations 4:27
10. Search The Woods 5:29
Mechanimal:
Ξ Eleni Tzavara: Vocals
Ξ Tassos Nikogiannis: Guitars
Ξ Giannis Papaioannou: Electronics & beats
Ξ Angelica Vrettou: Visuals and art direction
Ξ Kostas Matiatos: Additional guitars on 1, 5, 6 and 8
Ξ Written & produced by Giannis Papaioannou
Ξ Music on 7 by Giannis Papaioannou and Tassos Nikogiannis
Ξ Arranged by Giannis Papaioannou and Tassos Nikogiannis
Ξ Recorded at Dreamland and Team Kaboom studios, Athens
Ξ Mixed on some faraway beach during August 2015.
Ξ Mastered by Yiannis Christodoulatos at Sweetspot Studio, Athens
Ξ Inner Sleeve photograph by Albano Ruela
Ξ Layout by db
Ξ Delta Pi Delta is dedicated to the moving memory of Nicholas Liber.
Official Press Release
Ξ After two albums exploring the dystopian universe of their city in crisis, the Athenian group Mechanimal delve now into the outskirts of their hometown, away from the sociopolitical fragmentation of the Greek capital, inside a deep and prolonged silence of the mountain forests surrounding Athens.
Ξ “Delta Pi Delta” started with a new lineup, erasing the events of a rather tense and tough past, focusing on nature as a means of escape from the modern depression of urban life. This time with female vocals, featuring lead singer Eleni Tzavara (formerly of Film and Etten), electric guitars by Tassos Nikogiannis and Kostas Matiatos, and electronic programming by Giannis Papaioannou, Mechanimal started recording the backbone of their new album during the spring of 2015, while final editing and mixing took place during August 2015, in an isolated room by some faraway beach.
Ξ The result of these new recordings is 8 new songs plus 2 instrumentals which will be included as extra tracks in the digital version of the album. Ten new tunes captivating the mystery that lies beneath a quiet life outside a big city. The group’s own hybrid blend of mechanical beats, shoegazing guitar drones and repetitive electronic patterns, shapes now a different perspective that embraces the strangeness and the atmosphere of dreamy landscapes around Athens. The materializing of these silent places into a conceptual sound revealed a new process, which helped the group transform their vision into a tangible medium.
Ξ The symbolical acronym title “Delta Pi Delta” is referring to the lyric “giving names to stars”. As a whole it represents the existential journey of any two–footed animal. In this journey, dreams reveal desires and fears that we’re not consciously aware of, but play an important part in consciously or subconsciously helping us become better at dealing with life.
Ξ “Delta Pi Delta” is dedicated to the loving memory of Greek artist and painter Nicholas Liber (1956 — 2013), a long–term friend of the band.
REVIEW
STEVEN GULLOTTA
Ξ There are but a few moons before 2015 is laid to rest and another brilliant year shall birth from the ashes of the past. While there are tons of album from this year that I have yet to grace with my words, I have found myself wanting to spread word of albums that are yet to come. Within that mix is Greek minimal electronic project Mechanimal’s third album “Delta Pi Delta”.
Ξ Mechanimal is well noted in their home country not only for being able to land on one of Greece’s more successful indie labels Inner Ear Records, but for also putting out very well produced material. While both their previous albums “Mechanimal" and “Secret Science” were constructed in the chaotic undercurrent of Athens, the band moved to a natural environment in mountain forests to clear their heads and let the music be unobstructed by any negative energy or influence.
Ξ The band also underwent a change in line–up. Frontman and founder Giannis Papaioannou is on as keyboardist, Tassos Nikogiannis on guitars, Antonis Charalambidis on drums, and Eleni Tzavara is leading the fray with her charming vocals. As such, “Delta Pi Delta” has turned out to be an endearing work of musical splendor.
Ξ If you follow the band at all, the introductory track ‘Sunlight’ should be familiar as it is readily available for streaming via YouTube, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp. As such, 'Sunlight’ is one of the more striking songs on the album. When the powerful and heavenly synths aren’t filling your ears with bliss, Tzavara’s beautiful voice sings like a siren, able to make any one being fall to their knees quivering with delight.
Ξ Chiming and playful rhythms come across in ‘Repetition’, wherein Tzavara’s voice is less sung and more spoken. Nonetheless, there is not a drought in enjoyment. Ξ ‘Thistlemilk’ brings out shoegaze influence and will be a hit for anyone who enjoys modern day indie–pop. ‘Sawdust’ is one of their more experimental, instrumental tracks on the album. Beginning off with light electronic toying, the track merges with squelched guitar work and finally runs through a robust synth workout.
Ξ ‘Radio On’ has a rather quickened pace but follows other songs already present on the album. ‘Winter Mute’ has more of a dance rhythm to it, queuing in an EBM beat. Tzavara’s vocals also become toughened to match the rugged feel of the song, and I appreciated that. ‘Sextant’ plays around with a couple of acoustic elements, but still keeps in ambient sound work. ‘Ferrum’ offered tribal drums within the song, but kept the atmosphere going. This is another track that wasn’t so standard on the album and held my attention well enough. Coming to the end, ‘Illuminations’ really took the potential Nikogiannis presented with his guitar skills and gave them more of a spotlight. Lastly, the final track ‘Search The Woods’ was a very chilled out song. Yes, the guitars were amped up and the music was a bit more ear blasting, but Tzavara’s voice along with always stress free drum patterns from Charalambidis made sure the album left off a love note.
Ξ Though Greece is going through a troubled time period, it is marvelous to see that such acts of beauty and grace can come out of terrible conditions. Mechanimal has proved that very well on this day, and come January 4th when “Delta Pi Delta” officially releases art will be held and beloved by the few who take their time to listen to this tenor album. ♣ http://brutalresonance.com/
Review
Written by Paul Scott–Bates, 1 January, 2016; Score: 9/10
Ξ Greek Industrial Electro Pop act release their third album. Louder Than War’s Paul Scott–Bates reviews.
Ξ Secret Science, the ‘difficult second album’ from Mechanimal sounded like a breeze in the park for the act led by programmer and writer Giannis Papaioannou. It’s dark, industrial soundscapes provided one of the finest albums of 2014 (see review here). The new album, Delta Pi Delta (represented by the acronym ΔΠΔ)) sees the band opt for a new line–up including female vocalist Eleni Tzavara and a slightly more commercial approach. The results are successful, and their blend of industrial, dance and electronica is becoming more and more addictive.
Ξ Ten new tracks, including two instrumentals see the band re–group after some recent tension and the addition of Tzavara adds a whole new dimension to their sound. Delta Pi Delta starts with slow beginnings. Sunlight and Repetition kick off the album, both tracks being slow burners to an album which builds and builds to some mighty sounds. There are hints of eras gone by, most noticeably on Thistlemilk which has more than an inkling of A Flock Of Seagulls’ I Ran in the intro, and comparisons to Faithless will continue particularly on Sawdust and Winter Mute.
Ξ The bassline to Winter Mute throbs and bubbles much like Faithless’ massively underrated Not Going Home and the shoegaze guitars blend perfectly with spiralling synth sounds. An anthemic vocal propels the track into magnificent dance attempt.
Ξ After starting subtlety and then moving more upbeat, the album then starts to take on a fascinating dark direction with Sextant which spreads an almost drone–like feel, and Ferrum incorporates an electronic Bhangra beat to a brooding instrumental with dark guitars and sprawling electronic bursts.
Ξ Illuminations goes all 90s Indie and album closer Search The Woods groups varying loops together to create a confusing yet compelling backdrop to an otherwise haunting theme over a dramatic soundscape.
Ξ Dedicated to the Greek artist, painter and long–term friend of the band Nicholas Liber who sadly passed away in 2013, Delta Pi Delta is an album with a journey that sees Mechanimal develop their sound even further. There is the potential for widespread acclaim outside their homeland and hopefully this will be the album that finally gives them what they richly deserve. ♠ http://louderthanwar.com/
Website: http://mechanimal.gr/
Bandcamp: https://mechanimal-official.bandcamp.com/
Bandcamp: https://innerear-mechanimal.bandcamp.com/album/delta-pi-delta
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mech-nimal
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mech_nimal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mechanimal.Official
Ξ After two albums exploring the dystopian universe of their city in crisis, the Athenian group Mechanimal delve now into the outskirts of their hometown, away from the sociopolitical fragmentation of the Greek capital, inside a deep and prolonged silence of the mountain forests surrounding Athens.
Ξ “Delta Pi Delta” started with a new lineup, erasing the events of a rather tense and tough past, focusing on nature as a means of escape from the modern depression of urban life. This time with female vocals, featuring lead singer Eleni Tzavara (formerly of Film and Etten), electric guitars by Tassos Nikogiannis and Kostas Matiatos, and electronic programming by Giannis Papaioannou, Mechanimal started recording the backbone of their new album during the spring of 2015, while final editing and mixing took place during August 2015, in an isolated room by some faraway beach.
Ξ The result of these new recordings is 8 new songs plus 2 instrumentals which will be included as extra tracks in the digital version of the album. Ten new tunes captivating the mystery that lies beneath a quiet life outside a big city. The group’s own hybrid blend of mechanical beats, shoegazing guitar drones and repetitive electronic patterns, shapes now a different perspective that embraces the strangeness and the atmosphere of dreamy landscapes around Athens. The materializing of these silent places into a conceptual sound revealed a new process, which helped the group transform their vision into a tangible medium.
Ξ The symbolical acronym title “Delta Pi Delta” is referring to the lyric “giving names to stars”. As a whole it represents the existential journey of any two-footed animal. In this journey, dreams reveal desires and fears that we're not consciously aware of, but play an important part in consciously or subconsciously helping us become better at dealing with life.
Ξ Out on white vinyl LP and digital album via Inner Ear.
_____________________________________________________________
| Mechanimal — Delta Pi Delta ΔΠΔ (January 4, 2016) |
Ξ Zatímco obě jejich předchozí alba “Mechanimal” a “Secret Science” byla postavena v chaotickém podtónu Atén, kapela se odstěhovala do přírodního prostředí v horských lesích, aby si vyčistila hlavy a nechala hudbu působit bez překážek a jako zábrana jakékoli negativní energii nebo vlivu. Kapela také prošla změnou v sestavě. Album je věnováno řeckému umělci, malíři a dlouholetému příteli kapely — Nicholasi Liberovi, který bohužel zemřel v roce 2013. Deset nových skladeb, včetně dvou instrumentálek, po re-startu skupiny kvůli nedávnému napětí a přizvání zpěvačky Eleni Tzavara dodává jejich zvuku zcela nový rozměr.
Location: Athens, Greece
Genre: Industrial, Post–punk/Electronics
Album release: January 4, 2016
Formats: LP / CD / DL
Record Label: Inner Ear Records
Duration: 45:44
Tracks:
01. Sunlight 3:42
02. Repetition 4:49
03. Thistlemilk 4:27
04. Sawdust (digital album only) 3:40
05. Radio On 4:34
06. Winter Mute 4:54
07. Sextant 4:21
08. Ferrum (digital album only) 5:21
09. Illuminations 4:27
10. Search The Woods 5:29
Mechanimal:
Ξ Eleni Tzavara: Vocals
Ξ Tassos Nikogiannis: Guitars
Ξ Giannis Papaioannou: Electronics & beats
Ξ Angelica Vrettou: Visuals and art direction
Ξ Kostas Matiatos: Additional guitars on 1, 5, 6 and 8
Ξ Written & produced by Giannis Papaioannou
Ξ Music on 7 by Giannis Papaioannou and Tassos Nikogiannis
Ξ Arranged by Giannis Papaioannou and Tassos Nikogiannis
Ξ Recorded at Dreamland and Team Kaboom studios, Athens
Ξ Mixed on some faraway beach during August 2015.
Ξ Mastered by Yiannis Christodoulatos at Sweetspot Studio, Athens
Ξ Inner Sleeve photograph by Albano Ruela
Ξ Layout by db
Ξ Delta Pi Delta is dedicated to the moving memory of Nicholas Liber.
Official Press Release
Ξ After two albums exploring the dystopian universe of their city in crisis, the Athenian group Mechanimal delve now into the outskirts of their hometown, away from the sociopolitical fragmentation of the Greek capital, inside a deep and prolonged silence of the mountain forests surrounding Athens.
Ξ “Delta Pi Delta” started with a new lineup, erasing the events of a rather tense and tough past, focusing on nature as a means of escape from the modern depression of urban life. This time with female vocals, featuring lead singer Eleni Tzavara (formerly of Film and Etten), electric guitars by Tassos Nikogiannis and Kostas Matiatos, and electronic programming by Giannis Papaioannou, Mechanimal started recording the backbone of their new album during the spring of 2015, while final editing and mixing took place during August 2015, in an isolated room by some faraway beach.
Ξ The result of these new recordings is 8 new songs plus 2 instrumentals which will be included as extra tracks in the digital version of the album. Ten new tunes captivating the mystery that lies beneath a quiet life outside a big city. The group’s own hybrid blend of mechanical beats, shoegazing guitar drones and repetitive electronic patterns, shapes now a different perspective that embraces the strangeness and the atmosphere of dreamy landscapes around Athens. The materializing of these silent places into a conceptual sound revealed a new process, which helped the group transform their vision into a tangible medium.
Ξ The symbolical acronym title “Delta Pi Delta” is referring to the lyric “giving names to stars”. As a whole it represents the existential journey of any two–footed animal. In this journey, dreams reveal desires and fears that we’re not consciously aware of, but play an important part in consciously or subconsciously helping us become better at dealing with life.
Ξ “Delta Pi Delta” is dedicated to the loving memory of Greek artist and painter Nicholas Liber (1956 — 2013), a long–term friend of the band.
REVIEW
STEVEN GULLOTTA
Ξ There are but a few moons before 2015 is laid to rest and another brilliant year shall birth from the ashes of the past. While there are tons of album from this year that I have yet to grace with my words, I have found myself wanting to spread word of albums that are yet to come. Within that mix is Greek minimal electronic project Mechanimal’s third album “Delta Pi Delta”.
Ξ Mechanimal is well noted in their home country not only for being able to land on one of Greece’s more successful indie labels Inner Ear Records, but for also putting out very well produced material. While both their previous albums “Mechanimal" and “Secret Science” were constructed in the chaotic undercurrent of Athens, the band moved to a natural environment in mountain forests to clear their heads and let the music be unobstructed by any negative energy or influence.
Ξ The band also underwent a change in line–up. Frontman and founder Giannis Papaioannou is on as keyboardist, Tassos Nikogiannis on guitars, Antonis Charalambidis on drums, and Eleni Tzavara is leading the fray with her charming vocals. As such, “Delta Pi Delta” has turned out to be an endearing work of musical splendor.
Ξ If you follow the band at all, the introductory track ‘Sunlight’ should be familiar as it is readily available for streaming via YouTube, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp. As such, 'Sunlight’ is one of the more striking songs on the album. When the powerful and heavenly synths aren’t filling your ears with bliss, Tzavara’s beautiful voice sings like a siren, able to make any one being fall to their knees quivering with delight.
Ξ Chiming and playful rhythms come across in ‘Repetition’, wherein Tzavara’s voice is less sung and more spoken. Nonetheless, there is not a drought in enjoyment. Ξ ‘Thistlemilk’ brings out shoegaze influence and will be a hit for anyone who enjoys modern day indie–pop. ‘Sawdust’ is one of their more experimental, instrumental tracks on the album. Beginning off with light electronic toying, the track merges with squelched guitar work and finally runs through a robust synth workout.
Ξ ‘Radio On’ has a rather quickened pace but follows other songs already present on the album. ‘Winter Mute’ has more of a dance rhythm to it, queuing in an EBM beat. Tzavara’s vocals also become toughened to match the rugged feel of the song, and I appreciated that. ‘Sextant’ plays around with a couple of acoustic elements, but still keeps in ambient sound work. ‘Ferrum’ offered tribal drums within the song, but kept the atmosphere going. This is another track that wasn’t so standard on the album and held my attention well enough. Coming to the end, ‘Illuminations’ really took the potential Nikogiannis presented with his guitar skills and gave them more of a spotlight. Lastly, the final track ‘Search The Woods’ was a very chilled out song. Yes, the guitars were amped up and the music was a bit more ear blasting, but Tzavara’s voice along with always stress free drum patterns from Charalambidis made sure the album left off a love note.
Ξ Though Greece is going through a troubled time period, it is marvelous to see that such acts of beauty and grace can come out of terrible conditions. Mechanimal has proved that very well on this day, and come January 4th when “Delta Pi Delta” officially releases art will be held and beloved by the few who take their time to listen to this tenor album. ♣ http://brutalresonance.com/
Review
Written by Paul Scott–Bates, 1 January, 2016; Score: 9/10
Ξ Greek Industrial Electro Pop act release their third album. Louder Than War’s Paul Scott–Bates reviews.
Ξ Secret Science, the ‘difficult second album’ from Mechanimal sounded like a breeze in the park for the act led by programmer and writer Giannis Papaioannou. It’s dark, industrial soundscapes provided one of the finest albums of 2014 (see review here). The new album, Delta Pi Delta (represented by the acronym ΔΠΔ)) sees the band opt for a new line–up including female vocalist Eleni Tzavara and a slightly more commercial approach. The results are successful, and their blend of industrial, dance and electronica is becoming more and more addictive.
Ξ Ten new tracks, including two instrumentals see the band re–group after some recent tension and the addition of Tzavara adds a whole new dimension to their sound. Delta Pi Delta starts with slow beginnings. Sunlight and Repetition kick off the album, both tracks being slow burners to an album which builds and builds to some mighty sounds. There are hints of eras gone by, most noticeably on Thistlemilk which has more than an inkling of A Flock Of Seagulls’ I Ran in the intro, and comparisons to Faithless will continue particularly on Sawdust and Winter Mute.
Ξ The bassline to Winter Mute throbs and bubbles much like Faithless’ massively underrated Not Going Home and the shoegaze guitars blend perfectly with spiralling synth sounds. An anthemic vocal propels the track into magnificent dance attempt.
Ξ After starting subtlety and then moving more upbeat, the album then starts to take on a fascinating dark direction with Sextant which spreads an almost drone–like feel, and Ferrum incorporates an electronic Bhangra beat to a brooding instrumental with dark guitars and sprawling electronic bursts.
Ξ Illuminations goes all 90s Indie and album closer Search The Woods groups varying loops together to create a confusing yet compelling backdrop to an otherwise haunting theme over a dramatic soundscape.
Ξ Dedicated to the Greek artist, painter and long–term friend of the band Nicholas Liber who sadly passed away in 2013, Delta Pi Delta is an album with a journey that sees Mechanimal develop their sound even further. There is the potential for widespread acclaim outside their homeland and hopefully this will be the album that finally gives them what they richly deserve. ♠ http://louderthanwar.com/
Website: http://mechanimal.gr/
Bandcamp: https://mechanimal-official.bandcamp.com/
Bandcamp: https://innerear-mechanimal.bandcamp.com/album/delta-pi-delta
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mech-nimal
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mech_nimal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mechanimal.Official
Ξ After two albums exploring the dystopian universe of their city in crisis, the Athenian group Mechanimal delve now into the outskirts of their hometown, away from the sociopolitical fragmentation of the Greek capital, inside a deep and prolonged silence of the mountain forests surrounding Athens.
Ξ “Delta Pi Delta” started with a new lineup, erasing the events of a rather tense and tough past, focusing on nature as a means of escape from the modern depression of urban life. This time with female vocals, featuring lead singer Eleni Tzavara (formerly of Film and Etten), electric guitars by Tassos Nikogiannis and Kostas Matiatos, and electronic programming by Giannis Papaioannou, Mechanimal started recording the backbone of their new album during the spring of 2015, while final editing and mixing took place during August 2015, in an isolated room by some faraway beach.
Ξ The result of these new recordings is 8 new songs plus 2 instrumentals which will be included as extra tracks in the digital version of the album. Ten new tunes captivating the mystery that lies beneath a quiet life outside a big city. The group’s own hybrid blend of mechanical beats, shoegazing guitar drones and repetitive electronic patterns, shapes now a different perspective that embraces the strangeness and the atmosphere of dreamy landscapes around Athens. The materializing of these silent places into a conceptual sound revealed a new process, which helped the group transform their vision into a tangible medium.
Ξ The symbolical acronym title “Delta Pi Delta” is referring to the lyric “giving names to stars”. As a whole it represents the existential journey of any two-footed animal. In this journey, dreams reveal desires and fears that we're not consciously aware of, but play an important part in consciously or subconsciously helping us become better at dealing with life.
Ξ Out on white vinyl LP and digital album via Inner Ear.
_____________________________________________________________